Editor's note: Editor's note: Jake Tapper is an anchor and chief Washington correspondent for CNN. He is author of the best-selling book about the Combat Outpost Keating attack in Afghanistan, "The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor."

Washington (CNN) – Former Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha will receive the Medal of Honor on Monday for his role in what is considered one of the worst ground attacks of the Afghanistan war.

Romesha, 31, will become the fourth living person to get the nation's highest military decoration for actions in Afghanistan or Iraq.

(CNN) - The parents of Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old Chicago girl shot and killed in Chicago last month, will be guests in first lady Michelle Obama's box at Tuesday's State of the Union, a White House official told CNN.

Pendleton was killed just a week after she performed in the festivities surrounding President Barack Obama's second inauguration. The first lady attended her funeral on Saturday.

Watch CNN's comprehensive coverage of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address starting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET on CNN TV and follow online at CNN.com or via CNN's apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. Follow our real-time State of the Union live blog at cnn.com/conversation.FULL POST

(CNN) – The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a vote on the nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel for defense secretary at 230 p.m. ET Tuesday, the office of Chairman Carl Levin announced Monday.

While Hagel went through his confirmation hearings on January 31, Levin put off the vote after more than two dozen Republicans pressed Hagel to provide additional financial information about corporations and other organizations he's been associated with since leaving Congress.FULL POST

(CNN) – President Barack Obama issued a statement Monday on the announcement that Pope Benedict XVI would resign later in the month.

"On behalf of Americans everywhere, Michelle and I wish to extend our appreciation and prayers to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Michelle and I warmly remember our meeting with the Holy Father in 2009, and I have appreciated our work together over these last four years. The Church plays a critical role in the United States and the world, and I wish the best to those who will soon gather to choose His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI's successor."

(CNN) - Looking into the camera with her husband standing alongside, Gabrielle Giffords says, "Let's get this done."

The former congresswoman, who was severely injured after being shot in the head two years ago, appears in a new television ad released Monday and urges Congress to take action on issuing tougher gun laws.

Watch CNN's comprehensive coverage of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address starting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET on CNN TV and follow online at CNN.com or via CNN's apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. Follow our real-time State of the Union live blog at cnn.com/conversation.FULL POST